By Gareth McKnight

0

Dec 31, 2011 12:12:00

The Camp Nou starlet has backed his club team-mate for the World Player of the Year award, and wants to continue his development at the Catalan club in 2012

Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara has stated that his club team-mate Lionel Messi should win the Fifa Ballon d'Or and is looking forward to continuing his development at the European champions in 2012.

Argentina international Messi is up against Andres Iniesta and Cristiano Ronaldo for the yearly Fifa award, and the 20-year-old feels that the South American deserves the title.

"Leo Messi deserves the Ballon d'Or ahead of Xavi and Cristiano Ronaldo. It's a pleasure playing alongside him," the Spain international told Marca.

Thiago has made strides under Barca coach Pep Guardiola, and is eager to progress as a player during the next 12 months.

"In 2012 I want to continue working, learning from my peers, and continue the work of recent years," he continued.

Barcelona have been drawn against Osasuna in the Copa del Rey last 16, with the first leg to take place on Wednesday, and Alcantara feels his side are in the right physical condition to get a victory.

"We are all right, have no problems, and we are perfectly in order to play against Osasuna," he concluded.